US2340277A - Spring testing device - Google Patents

Description

Jan- 25, 19 P. A. STURTEVANT SPRING TE TING DEVICE Filed April 17. 1941 2 Sheets- Sheet 1 lllll r 1944- 4 P..A. STURTEVANT 2,340,277

SPRING TESTING DEVICE Filed April 17, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Jan. 25, 1944 7 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SPRING TESTING Paul A. Sturtevant; Addison, 111. Application April 17, 1941, Serial No. 388,933

21 Claims. (01. 265-18) 7 This invention relates to a testing device and has special reference to a device for accurately measuring the force required to compress a spring to a predetermined overall length and for testing objects that are to be subjected to compression and extension stresses.

More particularly, this invention relates to a testing device comprising a base having a calibrated column mounted thereon and a platform adjustably supported by the column, there being a tongue mounted on the ,base and having a free endthereof movable toward and away from the column. The calibrations of the column determine the length of the spring to be. tested and measuring means are employed for actuating the tongue to apply a compressing force to a test piece between the platform and the tongue to a predetermined calibration on the column.

In accordance with the present invention the means for measuring the compressing force applied to the test piece is the means that actuates the member that applies such force. Thus the actuating member may be a measuring wrench such asis ordinarilyemployed for applying a tangentialforce to an object to be rotated and formeasuring the applied force. A base having a fixed member with an adjustable platform and a member movable relatively thereto for supporting the test piece therebetween co-operates with the measuring wrench. Such an assembly may be of simple form and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture. I

It is, therefore, one of the objects of this invention to provide a testing device of the character indicated above which is simple and convenient in operation, is comparatively inexpensive to manufacture, and is durable.

, Other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter be more particularly pointed out and, for a morecomplete understanding of the characteristic features of this invention, reference may now be had to the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which latter:

pFigure 1 is a perspective View of the testing device embodying the features of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the testing device shown in Fig. 1 with the measuring-actuating means omitted therefrom;

; Fig.3 is a top plan view of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 isa central longitudinal sectional view taken-on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

-Fig. is a view similar to Fig. 4 of a fragmentary portion thereof showing a changed positie i q ra ac a n m b e f and v.

Fig, 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on the lineli-Ji of Fig. 4.

Referring now to the drawings, the testing device embodying the features of this invention comprises a base-formed preferably of cast iron having a horizontally extending portion In and a hollow upright portion I I extending thereabove and at oneend thereof. A calibrated column I2 is mountedon the horizontally extending portion H) of the base at the other end thereof, one end of'the column being threaded in an aperture l3 of the base and being locked against rotative movement relative thereto by lock nuts I4 and I5 onopposite faces of the base. V

.-A platform 16 isadjustably supported by the column l2, the platform having an axial aperture which is threaded to threadedly engage the column [2, -A spring detent means designated broadlyasqil may be arranged in any suitable way) as by inserting the same in a hole H in platform [6 so as to yieldably bear against a flat face 42 on column 12 carryingthe calibrations shown in Fig. 2. Thus the platform It is adapted to. befixedto the column l2 in various positions of, longitudinal adjustment since the platform may be revolved on the column to raise or lower the, platform with respect to the column. The upper face of the platform may be calibrated with a. plurality of equidistant markings near the. periphery thereof. I I I A tongue I1 is mounted on the upright portion [I of the base andhas a free end thereof movable toward and .away from the column 12. The tongue -I l, is preferably formed with a bifurcated and forming arms 3 and IS, the arms straddling the hollowupright portion ll of the base at the upper end thereof. The arms l8 and 19 are provideidwith aperturesifl and 2|, respectively, for receiving opposite ends of a rod 22, the rod extendingthrough. suitable apertures 23 and 24in the side walls of the hollow upright portion ll ofgtheibase. The arm I8 is fixed to the rod or shaft ,22by1a pin 25'which pin extends through the arm l8 and through the shaft 22. An initial positioning of the arm I8 and shaft 22 is obtained by a setscrew extending through an opening 22a until the desired relation is determined,

whereafter the hole is drilled in the arm and shaft for'the permanent reception of pin 25. Pivotal movement of the tongue I! rotates the rod.22 so that theapertures 23 and 24 act as bearings. for the rod 22; a

I A trigger 26 is fixed to and extends'radially outwardly from the rod 22 and is movable therewith and with'the tonguell. A. flexible mem gated projection 28, the free end of thefiexible member being disposed in the path of movement of the trigger 26. Movement of the tongue I! and thereby the trigger 26 flexes the member 21 and in passing thereby vibrates the flexible member thus causing a vibratory sound.

The arm I9 is provided with a tool-engaging formation 29 in axial alignment with the aperture 2| thereof for receiving an extension of the head 30 of a measuring wrench 3|. The toolengaging formation 29 is preferably polygonal in contour to engage a similarly polygonally contoured extension of the head 30 of the measur-. ing wrench. Rotative force applied to the head 30 by the measuring wrench 3| causes, movement of the tongue in a direction toward and away from the column [2.

A test piece, indicated as a coil spring 32, is rested on the platform l6, one end of the test piece engaging the platform and the other end extending upwardly to engage the free end of the tongue H. In the operation of the construction thus far described, the platform [6 should be set to a predetermined calibration on the column [2. On the front face ofthe threaded column I 2, as indicated more particularly in Fig. 2 of the drawings, a scale is marked in inches and reads from the top down. The divisions on sixteenths of an inch.

As before stated, the platform [6 has inscribed on the upper surface thereof markings which are set apart equidistantly, there being four such markings, reading 0, and e In the adjustment of the platform l6, it is rotated until the machined upper surface thereof is in exact alignment with the desired markings on the scale stamped vertically on the column I2. The mark is at the front. ting finer than 6" be desired, the platform is rotated cldkwise to any marking on its surface which will increase the reading bythe amount shown, that is, 6 and A return to 0 on thescale, that is, a complete revolution, increases the-length of the setting 1 Counterclockwise rotation of the platform decreases the reading. For exceptionally fine adjustments the periphery of the platform, has been serrated, as at 33, so that the distance between peaks of the serrations are .003.

In order to test a spring of the character disposed on the platform and illustrated in the drawing, the length at whichthe spring is to be tested is first determined. This is ordinarily determ ir'ied by a chart supplied'for that purpose. When the length at which the spring is to be tested is determined, the platform is adjusted accurately. For example, in the drawing of Fig. 2,-the length of the spring to be tested is 3 Should, however, it be desired to change the measurement to 2*,counterc1ockwise movement of the platform H5 is had until the surface of the platform is in line with the 2" mark with the 0 mark on the platform to the front. In this condition the spring tester is adjusted to accurately measure the compression on a spring to 2". Should it be desired to test at any other lengtlmthe platform is rotated until the marking on the platform corresponds thereto.

After the adjustable platform has been predetermined to the length at which it is desired to. measure the spring, the measuring wrench 3| is employed, the polygonal extension of the head 30. beingengaged in the tool-engaging for- Should a setber 27 is fixed at one end thereof to an elonmation 29 of the arm IS. The position of the measuring wrench should extend similar to that shown in Fig. 1 at an angle of about forty-five degrees with respect to the base of the machine. In this condition, shown in Fig. 1, the wrench is moved in a direction upwardly until the trigger 26 passes the flexible member 2'! when a distinct vibratory sound is heard. The tongue I1 is thereby cooked and ready for use.

Th spring or test piece to be tested is rested on the spring platform preferably in axial alignment with the column I2 with the tongue in a cooked position. The handle of the measuring wrench 3| is pulled forwardly until the movable tongue l-l contacts the upper end of the spring 32 A continuation of the pull on the wrench will apply a compressing force to the test piece between the platform and the tongue and continued pressure should be employed until the trigger 26 again contacts the flexible member 21 and passes t-he same-to give it a vibratory sound at the instant'when the spring being tested is compressed to the predetermined length pre-set on the col- At the sound of the vibration a, reading is taken on the measuring wrench 3!.

The measuring wrench 3| maybe of any usual type although, as shown, it comprises, aside from the rigid head 30, a deflecting beam 33 extending from and fixed tothe head, and a rigid handle 34 fixed to the free end of the measuring beam topredetermine the effective length thereof. A graduated dial 35 is fixed to the handle and a pointer 35 extending in the direction of and being adjacent to the measuringbeam 33 cooperates with the dial to. indicate tangential force applied on the handle relative to the object with which the head is in association. The pointer is preferably of a single piece and is fixed at one end thereof to the operating head 30. v

It will-be understood that other equivalent indicating means may be employed and hence the invention is not to be limited to a sound signal as indicating the time a reading should be taken.

While but a single embodiment of this invention is herein shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof maybeapparent to, those skilled in the artwithout departing from thespirit and scope-of this invention.

I claim:

1. A testing device comprising a base, a callbrated column mounted on-said base, a-platform adjustably supported by said column, a pivoted tongue mounted onsaid base and having a free end thereof movable toward and away from said column,- the calibrations oi? said column'determining the compressed length of the piece "to be tested, and force measuring means for actuatingsaid tongue to applya compressing; force to said test piece between said platform'and said tongue to a predetermined; calibration ong'sald column.

2. A testing device comprising-a base,- 'a calibrat'ed column mounted on said base, ajplatfolifm adapted to be fixed tosaid columnin various positions of longitudinal adjustment," a pi voted tongue mounted "on said base and having-afree end thereof movable toward and away from said column, the calibrations of saidcolumn determining the compressed length of the piece to be tested, and force measuring means for actuating said tongue to apply a compressing force, to said'test piece between-saidplatform and said tongue to a predetermined calibration on said column.

- 3. A testing devicecomprising a base, a calibrated column mounted on saidbase, a platform supported by said column for receiving a piece to be tested, said platformbeing adjustable to.pre-

4. A testing device comprising a base, a cali-.

brated column mounted on said base, a platform adjustablysupported by said column for receivinga piece to be tested,.-atongue mounted on said base and having a free end thereof movable toward andaway from said column, the calibration-s of said column indicating the position of adjustmentof said platform for a predetermined compression of said test piece, force measuring means for actuating said tongue to apply a compressing force to said test piece, and a sounding means operated by the movement of said tongue adapted to signal the compressive force to be read on said measuringmeans when said compressive force effects said predetermined compression of said test piece.

5. A testing device comprising a base, a calibrated column mounted on said base, a platform adjustably supported by said column for.receiving a piece to be tested, a tongue pivotally mounted at one end thereof on said base and having a free end movable toward and away from said column, the calibrations of said column indicating the position of adjustment of said platform for a predetermined compression of said test piece, force measuring means for actuating said tongue to apply a compressing force to said test piece between said platform and. said tongue, a trigger fixed to the pivot of said :tongue and movable with said tongue, and a flexible sounding member fixedto said base in the path of movement of said trigger, said flexible sounding member being vibrated by said trigger to signal the compressive force to be read on said measuring means when said compressive force effects said predetermined compression of said test piece.

6. A testing device comprising a base, a cali brated threaded column mounted on said base, a platform threadedly engaging said column for longitudinal adjustment thereon, a tongue mounted on said base and having a free end thereof movable toward and away from said column, the calibrations of said column determining the com-pressed length of the piece to be tested, and force measuring means for actuating said tongue to apply a compressing force to said test piece between said platform and said tongue to a predetermined calibration on said column.

7. A testing device comprising a base, a calibrated column mounted on said base, a platform adjustably supported by said column, a tongue pivotally mounted at one end thereof on said base and having a free end thereof movable toward and away from said column, a tool-engaging formation on said tongue at the pivotal portion thereof, the calibrations of. said column deter;

mining the compressed length of the piece tov be tested, and force measuring means engaging said tool-engaging formationfor actuating said tongue to apply a compressing force to said test piecebetween said platform and said tongue to a:

predetermined calibration on said column.

H8. Atesting device comprising a base having an upright portion thereon, a calibrated column mounted onsaid base, a platform adjustablysupported by said column, a bifurcated tongueon the upright portion of said base and beingpivotally mounted thereat, said tongue having a freeend thereof movable towardand away. from said column, the calibrations of said columndetermim.

ing the compressed length of .the piece .to .be tested, and force measuring means for actuating said tongue to apply a compressing force to.

said test piece between said platform and said tongue to a predetermined calibration on said column.

9. A testing device comprising a base, a column mounted on said base'having a calibrated,

flatface, a platform adjustably supported, by said column, a spring detent on said platform frictionally. engaging said fiat face in one rotative position of said platform, a pivoted tongue mounted onv said base and having a free end thereof movable toward and away: from said.col-

umn, the calibrations on said column determining the compressed length of the piece to be tested, and force measuring means foractuating said tongue to apply a compressing force to said test piece between said platform and said tongue to a predetermined calibration onsaid column.

. 10. A testing device comprising a base, a calibrated column adjustablymounted on said base,

a platform supported by said column in positions of longitudinal adjustment, a pivoted I tongue mounted on said base and having a free end thereof movable toward and awayfrom said column, the calibrations on said columndetermining the compressed length of the piece to be tested, and force measuring means foractuating said tongue to apply a compressing force to saidtest piece between said platform and said tongue to a predetermined calibration on said column.

11. A. testing machine comprising in combination a base, a platform supported upon said base for receiving a piece to be tested,'a'tongue.

having a free end movable toward said platform for applying a compressing force to the test piece on said platform, a pivotal mounting for said tongue also supported upon said base, a handle on one end of said pivotal mounting for rocking said tongue, and means for indicating said compressing force when said test piece is compressed a predetermined amount.

12. A testing machine comprising in combination, a base, a platform supported upon said base for receiving a piece to be tested, a pivotally mounted tongue also supported upon said base and having a free end movable toward said platform for applying a compressing force to'the test piece on said platform, means audibly signalling saidrcompressing force when said test piece is compressed a predetermined amount, and means for actuating said pivotally mounted tongue including force measuring means adapted to be read when said audible signalling means operates.

13. A testing machine comprising in combination, a base, a platform supported upon said base for receiving a piece to be tested, a pivotally mounted tongue also supported upon said base and having a free end movable toward said platformfor applying a compressive force to the test pieceon said platform,. a reed, and a pin, said reed and said pin being relatively movable with respectto each other and actuable by movement. of saidtongue for flexing said reed when said test piece is compressed a predetermined amount.

14. A testing machine comprising in combination, a base, a platform supported upon said base for receiving. a piece to be tested, a pivoted tongue on said base movable toward said plat.- form, means for actuating said tongue to apply acompressing force to the test piece on said platform, said means comprising a force measuring means to measure the force applied to said test device by said actuating means, said force measuring means including a dial to indicate the force measuring thereby, and an audible signalling means operable when said test piece is compressed a predetermined amount.

15. A testing device comprising a base, a calibrated column mounted on said base, a platform adjustably supported by said column, a tongue pivotally mounted on said base and movable toward and away from said column, a tool-engaging formation on said tongue at the pivotal portion thereof, the calibrations of said column indicating the position of adjustment of said platform for a predetermined compression of the piece to be tested, force measuring means engaging said tool-engaging formation'for actuating said tongue to apply a compressing force to said test piece, and indicating means for signalling the compressive force to be read on said measuring means when said compressive force effects said predetermined compression of said test piece.

16'. A device for applying a compressive force comprising a platform adapted to receive the work to which the compressive force is applied, a member for applying the compressive force, an engageable part operably connected to said memher, and a handle engaging said part for actuatingsaid member, said handle including measuring means indicating the amount of force being applied by said member.

17. A device for applying a compressive force comprising a platform adapted to receive the Work to which the. compressive: force is applied, a member for applying the compressive force, an engageable part onsaid member, a handle engaging said part for actuating said member, means on said handle indicating the amount of force. being applied by said member, and means ac.tu-. able by said member for signalling the compressive. force to be. read on said measuring means when said compressive. force effects a predetermined compression of the work on said platform.

18. A device for applyin a compressive force. comprising a p atform adapted to receive the work to which :the, compressive force. is applied, a member .forapplying said compressive, force, and actuating means for said member including a, handle member for actuating said member and .a force measuring and indicating means carried by and forming a structural part of said handle member.

19. The combination with a. base, of a column mounted on said base, a. platform supported by said column, for receiving a piece to be tested, a tongue. mounted at one end thereof. on said base and having a free end thereof movable toward and away from said column, 'a tool-engaging formation on said tongue, and forcemeasuring means engaging said tool-engaging formation for actuating said tongue to apply a compressing force to said test piece between said platform and said tongue.

20. The combination with a base, of a platform supported upon saidv base for receiving a piece to be tested, a member also supported upon said base and having a free end movable toward said platform for applying a compressible force to the test piece on said platform, a reed, and a pin, said reed and said pin being relatively movable with respect to each other and actuable by movement of said member for flexing said reed when said test piece is compressed a predetermined amount.

21. The combination with a base, of a, platform supported upon said base, for receiving a piece to be.tested, -a. member on said base movable toward said platform, means for actuating said member to apply a compressing force to the test piece on said platform, said means comprising a force measuring means to measure the force applied to said testpiece by said actuating means, said force measuringmeans including a dial to indicate the force measuring thereby, and, audible signalling means operable when, said test piece is compressed a. predetermined amount.

. PAULA. STURTEVANT.

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